Nuclear Technician Salary 2025: $110,240 Median, -7.7% Decline Ahead
The median Nuclear Technician earned $110,240 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's roughly $53 an hour, with the top 10% pulling in over $133,600. But the field is shrinking. Employment is projected to drop 7.7% through 2034, though about 700 openings a year will come from workers retiring or leaving.
How much Nuclear Technicians earn
The median annual wage for Nuclear Technicians is $110,240. The mean wage is $108,940, or about $52.38 an hour. Most technicians earn between $73,150 (10th percentile) and $133,600 (90th percentile). Pay tends to be higher in the private sector, especially at power plants and research facilities, compared to government or education.
Entry-level positions often start near the 10th percentile, while experienced technicians at large nuclear utilities or national labs can hit the top end. Overtime is common in plant settings and can push total compensation higher.
Pay by state
Florida pays the highest average wage: $135,550. New York ($129,780), Pennsylvania ($124,070), Texas ($124,060), and Massachusetts ($113,390) also top the list. These states have active nuclear plants or large research complexes.
On the lower end, Tennessee averages $91,980, Virginia $98,930, and California $99,270. The California figure may surprise given its high cost of living, but the state's nuclear sector is smaller and concentrated in fewer facilities.
How to become a Nuclear Technician
The typical path starts with an associate degree in nuclear technology, nuclear science, or a related field from a community college or technical institute. Many programs include lab work and a reactor internship. Some technicians enter with a certificate from a Navy nuclear program or a military background.
Most employers require passing a background check and drug test. Licensing or certification is not universal, but the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires operator licenses for certain roles. Many technicians earn an NRC Reactor Operator or Senior Reactor Operator license after on-the-job training. Certifications from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) can also help.
- Earn an associate degree in nuclear technology or a related science.
- Complete a hands-on internship at a nuclear facility or gain military nuclear experience.
- Pass employer background check, drug screening, and any required physical exams.
- Pursue NRC reactor operator license if working at a power plant.
- Consider ASNT certification for nondestructive testing roles.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 7.7% decline in employment for Nuclear Technicians from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of roughly 500 jobs over the decade. The decline reflects the aging U.S. nuclear fleet: several plants have retired, and new builds are rare. However, about 700 openings per year will still emerge from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Those with strong technical skills and certification may have an edge in niche areas like decommissioning or waste management.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nuclear Technicians need a degree?
Most employers require an associate degree in nuclear technology or a related field. Military nuclear training can substitute.
What is the highest paying state for Nuclear Technicians?
Florida pays the most, with an average annual wage of $135,550.
Is Nuclear Technician a declining job?
Yes, the BLS projects a 7.7% decline from 2024 to 2034 due to plant retirements. But about 700 job openings per year will come from turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Nuclear Technicians data.